TOWN OF RIVER FALLS ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 16, 2013; River Falls Town Hall; 7:00 P.M.
The meeting was called to order by Town Chair, Diana G. Smith. There were approximately 30 town residents present. Diana reviewed the purpose and authorities of an annual town meeting. Tom Sitz moved to approve the minutes of the 2012 annual meeting. Brad seconded. Motion carried.
Outgoing Treasurer, Caroline Hamilton, was present and was recognized for her 26 years of service to the Town of River Falls. Siri Smith provided information on the highlights of Caroline’s career and also presented a plaque from the Wisconsin Town’s Association. Town resident, Jim Harsdorf (on behalf of Senator Sheila Harsdorf’s office), presented a citation from the Wisconsin State Legislature.
County Board Representative, Dean Bergseng, provided an overview of projects and issues that are taking place at the county level.
Diana and Ruth presented the 2012 revenue and expenditure report. The Town had a balance of $277,964.85 in checking, money market, savings, and CD accounts at the end of 2012.
Diana provided the town road report on behalf of Brian Weber. The winter has been extremely challenging and costly due to the frequent snowfalls. Brian estimates that 80% of the town’s fuel budget has already been spent for 2013. The town continues to borrow funds from the State Trust Fund Loan Program on an annual repayment cycle to complete road projects. The cost to pave one mile of town road has risen to over $100,000/mile.
Michele DeLong-Reiter provided the 2012 Recycling Center report (attached). 196.89 tons of solid waste and 84.34 tons of commingle/paper were collected during the year.
Jerome Rodewald provided the 2012 Zoning and Building Report (attached). He issued building permits for 30 projects totaling $1,460,600 in project value. Two impact fees on new homes were collected during 2012.
Jerome also provided the Town Cemetery Report. The cemetery on Cty. Rd. E has been renamed from Greenwood Valley to Glass Valley Cemetery. This better reflects the history of the area and reduces confusion with the Greenwood Cemetery that is located in the City of River Falls. The Cemetery Committee has identified 200-300 plots as purchasable at the Glass Valley Cemetery at this time. The cost of a cemetery plot has been established at $600.00.
Roy Lund provided a report of the Ad Hoc Committee. The committee has had many challenges in trying to draft a town Farmland Preservation Plan with changing state criteria and regulations. The town’s draft plan is currently being reviewed by Pierce County. ETZ areas of the town cannot be designated as Farmland Preservation areas and thus will not be eligible for state Farmland Preservation Program credits.
Dan Randall submitted a written report on behalf of the Town Parks and Recreation Committee (attached). Brad Mogen commended the committee on their use of volunteers and volunteer organizations to complete many of the projects in the town parks.
Diana Smith reported that fire calls are now billed out at $800.00 plus any other incidentals and materials used as part of the call. The Rural Fire Association will continue efforts to inform town residents of driveway standards necessary to facilitate travel by emergency response vehicles such as large fire trucks.
LeRoy Kusilek stated that no dogs needed to be transported to the Goodhue Animal Shelter during 2012 since he was able to locate the owners of stray dogs that were left in his care.
The town board reviewed and noted the County Board courthouse wall replacement/tree issue as outlined in Dean Bergseng’s letter, and also as noted by Scott Bjork. Town resident, Louie Campbell, commented that he felt the county should have a public hearing on the issue to give Pierce County citizens the opportunity to have their comments heard.
Diana moved that the 2014 annual meeting date be set for Tuesday, April 15th starting at 7:00 P.M. Greg Smith seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Stern, Clerk